Jungle Warfare, Tactical Skills Focus of PH-Australia Military Exercise in Samar

Posted on October 20, 2026 at 08:19 AM

Hinabangan, Samar — Filipino and Australian troops are taking part in a joint military exercise in Samar, with training focused on jungle warfare, intelligence operations, and coordination in the field.

The exercise, called KASANGGA 2026, opened on October 19 at the 8th Infantry Division Training School in Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar.

Personnel from the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division and the Australian Defence Force are participating in the training, which is being conducted through the Mobile Training Team of the Joint Australian Training Team–Philippines.

The program covers intelligence, movement and maneuver, fire support, civil-military operations, medical operations, jungle warfare, logistics, and force protection.

The training gives Filipino soldiers an opportunity to learn from their Australian counterparts and become familiar with their operating procedures. It also includes exercises designed to improve coordination between troops from the two armed forces.

Among the areas covered are troop movement, communication, field support, and the protection of personnel during operations. The program also includes lessons on logistics and sustaining troops in the field.

KASANGGA 2026 is scheduled to run until November 16.

Photo Courtesy: Public Affairs Office, 8ID